This Oct. 29, 2013 photo released by NBC shows actress Kerry Washington, right, with cast member Taran Killam during a promotional shoot for “Saturday Night Live,” in New York. Washington will host the late night comedy sketch series on Nov. 2. (AP Photo/NBC, Dana Edelson)

NEW YORK (AP) — Kerry Washington’s turn as host of “Saturday Night Live” this week gives that television institution something it hasn’t seen much lately: a black woman onstage trying to make people laugh.

The show’s diversity has become an issue, pushed to the forefront by comments from the two black male cast members.